RENMARK Renmark is a member of the citrus growing group of towns close to the Victorian border. This rich and pretty area next to the River Murray. The proximity of the towns to each other was a by-product of the paddle steamer era. Renmark is the capitol of the region, and is the Mildura equivalent of Victoria. It is the oldest European settlement on the River Murray. The name Renmark refers to an aboriginal word meaning "Red Mud" A settlement began to grow in 1887, when the Renmark Settlement was established by George and William Chaffey, who created a system of open drains using water from the Murray, to allow orchards to be planted in the area. By pumping water onto the hot red sand they transformed it into a fruit growing area similar to California. Renmark was proclaimed a town in 1904 and a municipality in 1935. Renmark is a multicultural centre for the Riverland area. It consists of elegant wide streets. The river itself offers excellent spots for fishing, waterskiing and boating. The area is known for the cultivation of, citrus fruits, and wool. Orange trees stretch for hectares as do vineyards and stone fruit orchards. Other industries include almond growing and pistachio nut cultivation. The Renmark Hotel is a classic ‘art deco’ designed building. A popular and fun pub. The Renmark churches are 70 to 80 years old. The Anglican and United are quite traditional. The Catholic modern and grand and the Greek Orthodox likewise is a ‘character structure’. The Renmark War Memorial is a modest but meaningful acknowledgement. Renmark, like the area mostly is a modern community and at this time a museum does not feature, but there is evidence that heritage is deemed important. When visiting allow a few days for the region and if you are into water sports longer.